Fiji Coach Throws Shade at Wallabies Following Nail-Biting Test in Newcastle

NEWCASTLE: Fiji’s coach Mick Byrne suggested his squad was driven by a sense of disrespect as they nearly pulled off an upset against the Wallabies on Sunday.

The focus of Australia’s rugby community has largely centred on the British and Irish Lions tour, which is progressing through its three-match series, gearing up for the first Test in Brisbane on July 19.

In a nail-biting finish, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson salvaged Australia’s victory with a try in the 79th minute, sealing a 21-18 win.

Fiji, currently ranked ninth in the world, had previously defeated Australia, ranked eighth, during their last clash at the 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France.

“The conversation is buzzing about the Wallabies’ warm-up match, so I hope they’re feeling well-prepared,” Byrne remarked after the game.

“I wouldn’t diminish our performance today. It wouldn’t be right to say the Wallabies didn’t perform. I’d rather say, ‘Brace yourselves. We’re coming for you.’

It’s important to note that the Wallabies themselves did not label the match a warm-up.

Australia’s coach Joe Schmidt expressed admiration for Byrne’s team post-match, acknowledging that Fiji may not have received their full focus.

“To some extent, that’s unavoidable. You might try to concentrate but it’s hard not to think about the Waratahs facing the Lions last night. We watched as a team during the Reds’ match as well,” Schmidt shared.

“There are players from both of those teams in our squad, so there’s definitely interest there.

“I’m sure that affected us somewhat, but I wouldn’t excuse it. You need to be capable enough in Test match rugby to seize the crucial moments in the game that’s right in front of you.”

Byrne also urged Rugby Australia to consider hosting a Test match in Fiji, while questioning the decision to disallow a crucial second-half try from Sireli Maqala.

Video replays confirmed that Wallabies winger Harry Potter had stepped out of bounds during the lead-up to the try.

“I just need to seek clarification from World Rugby,” Byrne, a former AFL player and Wallabies assistant coach, explained.

“Earlier this year, the Brumbies had a try disallowed after 19 phases. I get that—you can review as many phases as you want during your possession.

“What surprised me is that we now seem to be able to review the opposition’s possession too. Perhaps next year, with rule changes, we might be able to look back ten minutes to find something. Maybe I’m mistaken.

“I’ll make sure I get clarity on it because I always thought we could only go back for our own possession.”